A significant moment during wartime: The tradition of offering flowers to a wife and daughter returning home to Ukraine
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Flowers have always held a special place in Ukrainian culture, but following Russia’s invasion in 2022, their importance has only deepened. Flowers, particularly sunflowers, have become symbols of resistance and hope for the war-torn nation. Ukrainians seize every opportunity to adorn Kyiv and other cities with flowers sourced from the country’s vast rural regions. Floral motifs can be seen on Ukrainian currency, clothing patterns, and murals. Throughout the country, both young men on dates and soldiers, some with war injuries, are seen carrying bouquets upon their return home. In 2022, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made headlines for bringing a bouquet to a teenage girl injured during her escape from advancing Russian forces near Kyiv.
Discovery of the oldest inhabited termite mounds dating back 34,000 years
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Scientists in South Africa were astonished to uncover active termite mounds in an arid region of the country that are estimated to be 34,000 years old, making them the oldest known inhabited termite hills. These mounds existed during the time when saber-toothed cats and woolly mammoths roamed other parts of the world, while vast areas of Europe and Asia were covered in ice. The mounds precede some of the earliest cave paintings found in Europe and have consistently housed termite colonies. Researchers advocate for further exploration of termite mounds to gain insights on climate change, ecosystem sustainability, and potential agricultural advancements.
LeBron James extends contract with the Los Angeles Lakers for 2 more years, confirms AP source
LeBron James is set to embark on his record-tying 22nd season in the NBA, during which the league’s all-time leading scorer may have the chance to play alongside his son Bronny as teammates for the Los Angeles Lakers. James has agreed to a two-year contract extension to remain with the Lakers, as confirmed by a source familiar with the negotiations. The second year of the deal is at James’ discretion, allowing him the option to become a free agent again next year. The Lakers have announced that Bronny James has already signed his first NBA contract, which spans four years.
US ceases legal battle against upcoming Titanic expedition; future dives face potential disputes
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — The U.S. government has officially halted its legal opposition to an upcoming dive to the Titanic shipwreck after the expedition agreed not to enter the ship’s hull or retrieve artifacts. The U.S. contends that such actions would violate a federal law designating the wreck as a memorial. RMS Titanic Inc., a company based in Georgia, owns the salvage rights to the Titanic and displays artifacts recovered from previous expeditions. The company has revised its dive plans for this year, focusing on capturing images of the wreck and debris field using unmanned submersibles. The mission is slated for mid-July.
Police discover remains of girl taken by crocodile while swimming in northern Australia
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Police have located the remains of a 12-year-old girl two days after she was snatched by a crocodile while swimming in a creek in remote northern Australia. Authorities found the remains on Thursday in the river system near where the girl vanished in the Indigenous community of Palumpa, southwest of Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory. Injuries consistent with a crocodile attack were identified. Efforts are ongoing to capture the crocodile responsible, as saltwater crocodiles tend to remain in nearby waterways within their territories. The girl’s disappearance triggered an intensive 36-hour search conducted on land, water, and air.
Banned NBA player Jontay Porter facing charges in betting case, court documents suggest
NEW YORK (AP) — Court documents indicate that former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter is expected to be charged with a federal felony linked to a sports betting scandal that led to his lifetime ban from the NBA. Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn filed a criminal information sheet on Tuesday, without specifying the charges or a court date. The case is related to the prosecution of four gamblers accused of profiting from inside information about a player planning to exit games prematurely. The Associated Press attempted to reach Porter’s lawyer for comment without success.
Exciting moments on Discovery ‘Shark Week’ with massive makos, Queen Bosses, and a baby angel shark
NEW YORK (AP) — Marine biologist Liv Dixon’s adventures on Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” include entering a life-sized whale carcass decoy to attract hungry sharks and observe their feeding frenzy. Hundreds of gallons of synthetic blood and chum are used to lure the predators for research purposes. Dixon’s thrilling experience is part of the 21 hours of new programming for this year’s “Shark Week,” where scientists take risks to enhance understanding of apex predators. Hosted by John Cena, the event kicks off with Dixon’s hour-long special, “Belly of the Beast: Bigger & Bloodier.”
Jessica Campbell makes history as first woman to join NHL bench as assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken
SEATTLE (AP) — Jessica Campbell has been appointed as an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken, making her the first woman to work on an NHL franchise’s bench. Campbell previously served as an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken’s AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley for two seasons under head coach Dan Bylsma, who was recently hired to lead the Kraken. Campbell boasts an impressive resume as a player in the NCAA, the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, and Canada’s women’s national team, where she clinched a silver medal in the 2015 world championship.
Shohei Ohtani declines participation in Home Run Derby during All-Star events
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani has decided not to take part in the Home Run Derby on July 15 despite ranking second in the majors with 27 home runs for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani, who participated in the Derby once before, cites ongoing elbow injury rehab and surgery from last fall that has prevented him from pitching this season as reasons for his withdrawal. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stresses that it is not solely Ohtani’s responsibility to carry the sport forward.
Rescued lion cub Freya finds refuge in South Africa amid concerns over breeding practices for lions
PAARL, South Africa (AP) — Freya, a 6-month-old lion cub rescued from the wildlife trade in Lebanon, has been relocated to the Drakenstein Lion Park in South Africa. While Freya settles into her new home, animal welfare organizations highlight the conflicting practices concerning lions in South Africa. The country is known for its conservation efforts but also harbors a significant captive lion industry where these majestic animals are bred for canned hunting experiences or the lion bone trade. Fortunately, Freya is safe from such fate at one of South Africa’s ethical sanctuaries.
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